Tendai Keith Guvamombe
The African Union Commission (AUC) has unequivocally condemned the military coup d’état that violently seized power in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau on November 26, 2025.
The coup resulted in the arrest of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, senior officials, and political leaders at a critical moment—just before the nation was due to announce its electoral results.
AUC Chairperson, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, delivered a strong statement, reiterating the African Union’s zero tolerance and firm rejection of any unconstitutional change of government.
This condemnation aligns with core AU normative instruments, including the Constitutive Act and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.
Upholding Constitutional Order
The Chairperson stressed the imperative of immediately respecting the ongoing electoral process and upholding the constitutional order.
He emphasized that the National Electoral Commission (CNE) remains the sole institution legally empowered to proclaim official election results.
In a clear demand, the Chairperson called for the immediate and unconditional release of President Embaló and all detained officials, urging all parties involved to exercise the utmost restraint to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
The AU took note of a Joint Statement issued by the observation missions of the African Union, ECOWAS, and the West African Elders Forum, signaling a coordinated regional response.
The AU reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with ECOWAS and other key international partners to support efforts aimed at restoring stability and safeguarding democratic processes through dialogue and legally grounded mechanisms.
This firm stance underlines the Union’s commitment to accompanying the people of Guinea-Bissau on their path toward peace, stability, and democratic consolidation during this critical period.
